Small Guest Lists, Big Memories: How Microweddings Are Changing Weddings Forever

Weddings are getting pricier—and couples are noticing. Between 2019 and 2024, the average wedding cost per guest rose from $214 to $248, pushing overall expenses to around $33,000 in 2024—roughly $5,000 more than just a few years ago. With these rising costs, it’s no surprise that couples are rethinking what truly matters on their big day. Instead of pouring money into traditional extras, many are opting for more intimate celebrations, and the wedding industry is being forced to adapt.

The Rise of the Microwedding

Smaller, more intentional weddings—commonly known as microweddings—are redefining the way couples celebrate. Nearly 60 percent of currently engaged couples and 48 percent of all couples are considering hosting a microwedding, according to a recent survey by The Knot. Guest counts have dropped too, shrinking from an average of 131 people in 2019 to 116 in 2024. And searches for “micro wedding” just hit an all-time high on Google.

This shows a clear shift: couples aren’t chasing massive guest lists anymore. They’re choosing quality over quantity, creating meaningful experiences with their closest loved ones while keeping both budgets and priorities in check.

Why Couples Are Choosing Smaller Weddings

Microweddings allow couples to focus on the details that matter most to them. For some, that means skipping lavish extras in favor of meaningful add-ons like interactive guest experiences, personalized entertainment, or unique memory keepsakes. Others are redirecting funds toward elements that create a more personal celebration, from curated menus to handcrafted cocktails.

It’s not about scaling back—it’s about making every detail count. With fewer guests, each moment feels more intentional and tailored, giving the couple’s wedding a distinctive fingerprint that truly reflects their personalities.

How the Wedding Industry Is Adapting

The move toward smaller weddings is creating exciting opportunities for wedding vendors. Those who offer flexibility, creativity, and personalization are thriving. Couples are looking for partners who understand their vision and can help bring it to life, whether that means providing non-traditional services or offering customizable experiences.

Food, in particular, has become a centerpiece of the microwedding experience. Many couples planning smaller events are opting for catering that feels both elevated and personal. At Oak Wood Fired Pizza, we’ve seen more couples booking our wedding catering services for intimate celebrations. Our wood-fired pizzas and handcrafted sides bring a sense of warmth and connection to the table—perfect for smaller gatherings where every bite should be memorable.

Microweddings in Arizona: Why They Work So Well

Here in Arizona, microweddings make perfect sense. With fewer guests, couples can choose from scenic desert venues, cozy backyards, or charming event spaces that might not fit a large crowd. They can also invest in unique food experiences—like a mobile pizza oven serving fresh, wood-fired pies right in front of their guests.

Oak Wood Fired Pizza loves helping Arizona couples create these unforgettable moments. From personalized catering menus to late-night pizza bars, our approach to food fits seamlessly with the intimate, meaningful vibe of a microwedding.

Ready to Plan Your Microwedding?

Microweddings aren’t just a passing trend—they’re a new way to celebrate love with intention and authenticity. By prioritizing intimacy, personalization, and quality, couples are showing that small weddings can still deliver big memories.

If you’re planning a microwedding in Arizona, let Oak Wood Fired Pizza help make your day truly special. Explore our wedding catering options or contact us today to start designing a menu that reflects your story—one wood-fired pizza at a time.

Microwedding FAQ

What is a microwedding?
A microwedding is a smaller-scale wedding, typically with 20–60 guests. These intimate events allow couples to focus on meaningful details, personalized touches, and a close-knit guest list.

Why are microweddings becoming so popular?
Rising wedding costs and a shift toward more intentional celebrations have made microweddings appealing. Couples want quality over quantity, prioritizing experiences, food, and personalization rather than large guest counts.

How much does a microwedding cost?
Microwedding costs vary widely depending on the venue, vendors, and guest count. However, they generally cost less than traditional weddings since fewer guests mean smaller catering bills, fewer rentals, and more flexibility in budgeting.

What are the benefits of having a microwedding?
Couples love microweddings because they:

• Allow for a more personal, meaningful celebration.
  
• Provide flexibility to splurge on unique details like gourmet catering.
  
• Make it easier to choose scenic or non-traditional venues.
  
• Create a less stressful, more relaxed atmosphere.
  

Can Oak Wood Fired Pizza cater my microwedding in Arizona?
Absolutely! Oak Wood Fired Pizza specializes in intimate celebrations. Our wedding catering packages are perfect for smaller guest lists, offering fresh, wood-fired pizzas and handcrafted sides that create a memorable dining experience for your closest family and friends.